Hiking Archives - My Family Travels
Practicing Tai Chi on the shores of Breakneck Lake in Harriman State Park.
Article
10 Reasons To Love Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Adventures

We know the Appalachian Mountain Club, one of the country’s original conservation groups, changes lives. It happened to me, just days after an email landed in my inbox like a...

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Parents and kids are scrambling over rocks on summer hike in Vail Valley.
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13 Reasons to Try a Top Value Mountain Resort in Summer

Ski mountain resorts offer great summer values at rental condos, which also make a cozy home away from home. Just select your destination resort carefully.

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Hikers approach the blue ice Matanuska Glacier to explore its crevasses and caverns.
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10 Best Winter Activities in Alaska

From November to April, unique winter activities in Alaska make America’s 49th state one of its most desirable adventure destinations. Dying to see the Northern Lights? You may....

Read More    7 min read

New, posh glamping tents are weatherproof and well furnished for outdoor living.
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How Luxury Glamping Tents Redefine Outdoor Experiences

Camping has long been associated with simplicity, rugged living, and a direct connection to nature. However, the evolution of outdoor travel has brought a new level of comfort...

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Historic Gideon Putnam Hotel is home to an original hydrotherapy spa. Photo c. Allison Tibaldi
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It’s Saratoga For The Win: Family-Friendly Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga Springs NY, which came to prominence as a 19th-century resort, boasts many things to do with kids. If natural mineral springs, horse racing, gambling, and luxury hotels...

Read More    8 min read

Mom reads book at beach while 2 toddlers play in sand nearby.
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Fuerteventura Family Holidays: Best Areas & Things to Do

Fuerteventura family holidays are big on beach time, with soft sand, shallow waters, and sunshine most of the year. And when you’re ready to explore? There are loads of things...

Read More    4 min read

woman at laptop computer
Article
14 Travel Hacks You May Not Know For Planning A Bucket List Adventure

Make Bucket List dreams come true, and affordably, by using a few of my favorite travel hacks. Current research and a lifetime of travel experience taught me some new tricks to...

Read More    7 min read

Aerial view from the summit of Titov Island overlooking the many cruise ships at Halong Bay, Vietnam.
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A Luxury Halong Bay Cruise In Vietnam

We all like a bargain, but sometimes saving money on a cheap excursion can backfire, and end in tragedy as this

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Dusk falls over beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
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Explore Cheapest National Parks – Save Big on Adventures!

Save money by exploring America outdoors on a cheap national parks vacation with our eight budget-saving trip planning tips.

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Boy and girl spalsh in the water off of the Nantucket beach. Photo by Garrett Patz for unsplash.
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51 Summer Trip Ideas – Plan Your Perfect Family Vacation

It’s time for our annual roundup of the 51 best family summer trip ideas! Wave goodbye to work and school stress, and forget about travel hiccups or economic woes. Right now,...

Read More    44 min read

The Victorian style front porch and bright red door of the Virginia Hotel in Cape May, NJ. Photo c. Virginia Hotel
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Cape May, New Jersey Attractions Lure Families

Picturesque, Victorian style homes, quiet lanes, and family attractions go hand in hand in Cape May, New Jersey. The beautiful seaside getaway I visited with my...

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Grandfather and grandson play with ducks in Pittsford, NY town park.
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At 200, An Erie Canal Cruise Is A Bucket List Adventure

Discover the magic of a New York canal cruise on the iconic Erie Canal. Slow travel back to 1817, when construction began on...

Read More    7 min read

Lightner Museum occupies the former Hotel Alcazar in St. Augustine.
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From Fort Mose To The Civil Rights Movement: Tracing Black History In St. Augustine

Look past the Spanish fort, ornate Moorish buildings and main plaza to discover Black history in St. Augustine, Florida. More than 450 years ago, the first Africans in North America...

Read More    13 min read

Groupd doing a tour on Segways at the Palm Beach marina in Florida.
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Road Trip USA: Florida Beach Road Trip Along US1 From Jacksonville To Key West

Welcome to Routes 1 and A1A, the twin coastal roads along the Atlantic coast between Jacksonville and Key West that form the greatest Florida beach road trip.

Read More    15 min read

RVs in campground with kids on bikes.
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Resources For Family Camping Vacations

An enthusiastic camper, let me share some resources for family camping vacations to help in planning your next big U.S. camping trip. My tips should help whether you prefer a tent,...

Read More    6 min read

Rearview mirror with a road receding into the distance.
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Favorite Resources For Planning Family Road Trips

Planning family road trips is a major undertaking, but long distance driving makes for one of the best value and most rewarding vacations you can do.

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Boy wearing a surfer's rasher to guard against the sun at the beach.
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Fashionable Sun Protection Clothing

Protect yourself and your kids with sun protection clothes, hats, sunglasses, and other products that are effectively UV resistant and stylish. Increased awareness of the power...

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White Temple in Chiang Rai. c. josch for pixabay.
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Northern Thailand’s New Sights and Tastes

The best vacation I have ever had was when I went to Thailand when I was 11 years old.  My mom had to write an article about Northern Thailand so I got to go with her.

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Parents and children in a step or blended family smile at camera.
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5 Kid-Friendly Locations for a Perfect Europe Family Vacation

Wondering where the locals go for an affordable yet memorable Europe family vacation? To save time and money, we know it's worth planning a trip to a place that's popular with...

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Family group enjoying the outdoor firepit and s'mores at the RumFish Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Photo c. Tradewinds Resorts
Article
Family Reunion Planning: 6 Steps to Stress-Free Success

Are you in charge of doing the family reunion planning this year? If so, here's my in-depth guide to get you started. With...

Read More    7 min read

Girl sitting on float on the sand squirts sunblock from a bottle. Photo c. campus for pixels.
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Best Spring Break Vacation Ideas

There's still snow and plenty of sun, so get out and choose your best spring break idea from one of our many affordable family vacation deals for 2025.

Read More    18 min read

Make wellness vacations in the great outdoors easy with a comfortable glamping option at the Grand Canyon. Photo c. Backland Luxury Camping
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Relax, Recharge, Reconnect: Fun Wellness Vacations For A Healthy Spring Break

Spring Break 2025 is shaping up to be a time for more than just escaping the classroom. It's an opportunity to prioritize family wellness vacations and create healthy habits that...

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Aerial view of the Coral World Ocean Park Underwater Observatory on St. Thomas. Photo c. Coral World
Article
St. Thomas, Family Adventures In The U.S. Virgin Islands

Kayak, snorkel, "snuba" and more with the family on the beautiful beaches of St.Thomas. It's one of the most popular of the U.S. Virgin Islands because there's so much going for...

Read More    5 min read

Kayak and canoe launch by the side of a river with kayaker in the background.
Article
Explore Vermont Camping On Lake Champlain

Sleep under the stars with close friends and family at a Lake Champlain camp when exploring Vermont. I've been there so I know the Lake Champlain Islands guarantee the summer's...

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Hikers walking past olive trees and grapevines approach a Spanish village along the Camino. Photo by B. Meyendriesch for pexels
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A Family Adventure On The Camino de Santiago: How To Make It Fun And Safe For Kids

The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a tourist journey or a pilgrimage route; it is a life-changing experience that can bring families together in a unique and unforgettable...

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Tombstone at Harriet Tubman gravesite in Auburn, New York.
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Keep Going: Harriet Tubman In The Finger Lakes of Central New York

Celebrate the legendary freedom seeker, suffragist and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, in the Finger Lakes region. Ms. Tubman called Auburn, on Owasco Lake, her...

Read More    9 min read

Woman in bathing suit on a beach chair at one of the Viva Wyndham all-inclusive resorts.
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Summertime: Sun Precautions When The Heat Is On

Doc Holiday updates you on specific sun precautions to take during the blistering heat of summer, especially when traveling with very young children.

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Mother and son at water's edge in Capetown, wearing sun protection clothes and hats.
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Exploring Nature’s Impact on Children’s Mental Health

Exploring nature often sparks joy and wonder. For children's mental health, however, its effects go much deeper. It fosters emotional balance and mental well-being in ways research...

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Devenish Island ruins in Ireland - Photo Credit Nicky Omohundro
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Exploring Ireland With Family, From The Wild Atlantic Way To Dublin

The winding road beckons and the scent of adventure hangs in the air as you explore Ireland with family. Taking generations to the Emerald Isle is sure to be an unforgettable experience,...

Read More    12 min read

Two people on adaptive cycle at NEDS school
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Special Needs Travel Destinations And Programs For Travelers With Disabilities

There are many special needs travel destinations and activity programs for those with physical or mental disabilities or special dietary needs....

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Girl on a zip line canopy tour in Mexico
Article
Wild Side of Riviera Nayarit: Adventures Await

From the hip resort of Sayulita to the jungles of the Sierra Madres in Mexico's Riviera Nayarit, adventures in nature appeal to everyone in the family, whatever their fitness level.

Read More    8 min read

Victory Monument at Yorktown Battlefield, birthplace of America. Photo c. NPS
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America’s Birthplace: Exploring the Historic Triangle of Virginia

Virginia's Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown is an energetic, living classroom considered America's birthplace. Visit, and learn all about where the United...

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Dig This! guests use heavy construction equipment in a huge Vegas sand box.
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Las Vegas, Nevada Attractions

We'll roll the dice on this and guarantee fun on your next Nevada vacation with our Las Vegas, Nevada family attractions guide. Pack our age-appropriate rundown of the best attractions...

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Romantic beachfront dinner by candlelight at Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Baja California. Photo c. Dino Gomez for Las Ventanas al Paraiso.
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6 Romantic Getaways for Valentine’s Day: Reconnect and Rekindle Your Love

Planning romantic getaways for Valentine’s Day -- or any time -- can be surprisingly stressful because there are so many options. Ask yourself:

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Couple hiking with a dog at Batiguitos Lagoon. Photo c. VisitCarlsbad
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Active Family Weekends In Carlsbad, California

It's time to discover the southern California city of Carlsbad and its family attractions. Previously known as a gateway to

Read More    6 min read

Bus brings skiers and snowboarders to the slopes in Park City, Utah. Photo c. Visit Park City.
Article
12 Favorite Family Winter Getaways And Travel Deals

Sun or snow or stay close for your family winter getaways? Maybe your winter escape is that long-delayed trip to Orlando. Perhaps it's a cruise with extended family or experiencing...

Read More    14 min read

Vintage photo of guests enjoying the Tiki Bar on the sand outside the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. Photo c. Hilton
Article
3 Great Florida Beach Towns to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

A family vacation for a Florida New Year's can be a low-cost, beachside adventure. Enjoy hiking, biking and plenty of outdoor attractions by day and join holiday festivities at...

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Two men rolling logs at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show in Pigeon Forge. Photo c. Pigeon Forge Dept of Tourism.
Article
Pigeon Forge Travel Tips For The First Time Visitor

If it's your first visit to this part of Tennessee, pack our Pigeon Forge travel tips to conquer this destination easily. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike have discovered...

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The turrets and castle architecture of the former Convent of the Sisters of Saint Mary, now the Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill, New York.
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16 Hudson Valley Family Attractions You Didn’t Know Were in Westchester

Picture Hudson Valley attractions of the 1600s: Grand schooners sailing the swift currents and Canadian fur trappers paddling the river. Times have changed, but intrepid families...

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A slideout RV expands on the sides to provide plenty of family sleeping room on a bucket list to Las Vegas. Photo c. RVIA
Article
2025 Travel Trends Shape Better Family Vacations

Plan for better family vacations in the year ahead as 2025 travel trends influence mainstream family holidays. The 2025 travel...

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Sandos all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are offering great family vacation travel deals for Travel Tuesday. Photo c. Hotels.com
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Big Family Vacation Travel Deals On Travel Tuesday 2024

Travel Tuesday is coming (Dec. 3, 2024), offering some of the best family vacation travel deals of the year. Some deals will be available longer; others (typically from airlines)...

Read More    7 min read

Special effects, digital imagery and CGI exhibit at The Academy Museum explains some of the Hollywood magic seen in major new films.
Article
The Top Los Angeles Family Attractions

From movie star footprints to Koreatown, here’s a look at some of our favorite  Los Angeles family attractions. LA’s nickname the “City of Angels”...

Read More    10 min read

You may spost black bear cubs in winter at Shenandoah National Park. Photo c. NPS
Article
Explore Shenandoah National Park – Hiking, Views, & Family Fun

If you're looking for oustanding hiking and biking, we recommend Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, a lesser-visited...

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Icebergs float in a lagoon in Iceland
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Exploring Iceland’s South Coast On A Family Road Trip

There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged beauty of nature than a family road trip, especially along Iceland's south coast, one of the world’s most geologically diverse...

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Looking North and East from the West Rim of Grand Canyon West.
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Winter at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West

Lean into winter at the Grand Canyon, both the spectacular National Park and the fascinating Grand Canyon West. Winter is our family’s favorite season but winter travel is often...

Read More    9 min read

Journey to the center of the earth at Luray Caverns Photo: luraycaverns.com
Article
The Throwback Charms Of A Big Shenandoah Valley Roadtrip

A Shenandoah Valley road trip combines small town Americana charm, natural wonders and a multitude of attractions that are tailor-made for kids -- even those with disabilities....

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Family and dog pose in front of sign for Glacier National Park, Montana.
Article
The Truth About Working Remote In Our Camper For A Year

It’s late spring, my daughter takes her last steps out of preschool, and we prepare for a future of working remote in our camper. We pack up only the necessities, throw everything...

Read More    9 min read

apple cluster
Article
Apple Picking And Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Apple and pumpkin picking U-Pick farms and local orchards are among Fall's...

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Charlie Brown and Snoopie ride the historic East Broad Top Railway to find a Halloween pumpkin. Photo c. Matthew Malkiewicz for East Broad Railroad Foundation
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24 Fabulous Fall Getaways For 2024

Fall is a fabulous time to get away without busting the budget, whether you want to take the kids apple picking and leaf peeping, head to a festival, or revel in your first trip...

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Guest with Finnegan, one of the llamas who enjoy the breakfast walk at the Mountain View Grand spa resort in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
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Mountain View Grand: A Luxury New Hampshire Spa Resort Keeps It Simple

New Hampshire’s Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has all the ingredients for a family holiday at a luxury New Hampshire spa resort. Whether you want a five-course chef’s...

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